Publication year: 2011
Source: Addictive Behaviors, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 23 July 2011
Michael B., Steinberg , Jennifer, Randall , Shelley, Greenhaus , Amy C., Schmelzer , Donna L., Richardson , …
Objective: The hospital can be an important opportunity for smoking cessation interventions. This is the first randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot trial utilizing varenicline and post-discharge, in-person behavioral treatment for hospitalized smokers. Method: Seventy-nine smokers admitted to a university-based hospital with various diagnoses were enrolled from 2007–2009. The primary outcome was biochemically confirmed abstinence at 24weeks following discharge. Secondary outcomes included withdrawal symptoms, motivation, utilization of treatment, and medical events. Results: Overall abstinence at 24weeks was 27% with no difference between varenicline and placebo treatment groups (23% vs. 31%). There were no significant differences in motivation to stop smoking or withdrawal symptoms. Over 40% of all…
Highlights: ► Implementation of an intervention for hospitalized smokers using varenicline is feasible ► The benefit and safety of varenicline in this setting requires further evaluation ► Successful post-discharge follow-up treatment is feasible and may improve outcomes